Fort Pickens is a pentagonal historic United States military fort on Santa Rosa Island in the Pensacola, Florida, area. It is named after American Revolutionary War hero Andrew Pickens. The fort was completed in 1834 and remained in use until 1947. Fort Pickens is included within the Gulf Islands National Seashore, and as such, is administered by the National Park Service.
The road to the fort was washed out by a hurricane years ago and never replaced. Rent a bike at Pensacola Beach and ride the seven miles. There are places where you'll have to dismount to get through loose sand, but worth the effort. One of the more interesting old US forts I've seen.
The road to the fort is all repaired and it is a beautiful drive. Fort is huge and interesting. Be sure to do the self-guided tour found on the National Park Ap or printed off their website. Employees in gift shop very kind. Be sure to stop at Battery Cooper to see one of only two disappearing guns in existence. We spent several hours here.
We stopped here during our vacation and I’m so glad we did. It was so interesting! Our family really enjoyed it. It’s worth the drive!
There is so much history here. It's a beautiful area with hiking trails, fishing and exploring. We planned a few hours to be here but really could have stayed all day if we had the time. We walked the beach, watched fishermen catch red fish and sting rays. Exploring the grounds and learning the history was fun for our entire family.
This Fort is incredible; very large, easy to drive through, well kept, with plenty to see and do. There are numerous trails, several passing by coastal cannons and leading out to the beautiful beach. Give yourselves a few hours to take it all in, it's definitely worth the trip.
Be the first to add a review to the Gulf Islands/Fort Pickens.
Gulf Islands/Fort Pickens
Hours
Problem with this listing? Let us know.
Has RV parking changed? Let us know.
-
Parking
-
Pets Allowed
-
Restrooms
-
Wifi
-
Wheelchair Accessible
-
Credit Cards Accepted
- Season End
- Year Round
- Sites Count
- 137
- Season Start
- Year Round
-
Sites
-
Laundry
-
Showers
-
Firewood
-
Fifty Amp
-
Paved Sites
-
Sewer Hookup
-
Vehicle Wash Permitted
Campground
Nearby Hotels
Related Trip Guides
9 stops on a Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail road trip
- 9 Places
- 01:08
- 55 mi
The best-kept secrets of Disney World
- 9 Places
- 01:25
- 30 mi
The top things to do on an I-95 road trip
- 50 Places
- 41:46
- 1,983 mi